Gerlie Epps

Gerlie Mae Thomas Epps transitioned her life on Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 to go to her heavenly home. Gerlie was born on October 20th, 1940 to Charles and Vergie Williams Thomas. She was a loving wife to Thomas Epps for 49 years, minus two days. She accepted her walk with Christ in her early years and continued her walk until her death. She was a lady with strong faith and belief in her loving Savior. She would talk of His goodness for hours on end to anyone who would listen. She was a loving and gentle soul and was kind to all who knew her. She was an extremely positive person and it all resonated from her faith and trust in God. She would light up the room with her love, radiant smile, and her compassionate heart. She was a mother and a friend to many.

Gerlie graduated from Ralph J. Bunche High School in Weldon, North Carolina in 1958 and continued her education at Southeastern business School in Durham, North Carolina. Upon graduation she migrated to Stamford, Connecticut where she worked for several corporations including Pitney Bowes until retirement.

While in Connecticut she was a faithful member of the Union Baptist Church in Stamford. There she held several positions such as; Sunday school teacher, usher, assistant secretary, prayer band and the missionary society. She served each position with great honor. She believed in serving God with all heart and soul. However, after relocating to Georgia, she connected with God First Breakthrough Ministries where she found peace and joy. There she joined the greeter’s ministry, usher and the praise dancers’ ministry. She loved her church and its members.

She leaves to cherish her indelible memory to her loving husband Thomas, four sons Martin (Johanna) of Ottawa, Canada, Bryan, Washington DC, Kevin, Connecticut, Jeffrey (Terry), Meriden, Connecticut and two adorable granddaughters, Synfanhie and Kiera Epps. Two brothers, Charles (Elizabeth) Thomas, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Donnell (Patricia) Thomas, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, two sisters, Alma Thomas, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and Mattie (Rev. John) Drakeford, Norwalk, Connecticut, two brothers-in-law, John Howard Epps, Whitmire, South Carolina, Jackie (Connie) Epps, Columbia, South Carolina, three sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Willie) Wright, Stamford, Connecticut, Fannie Hopkins, Whitmire, South Carolina, Synethia Epps, Stratford, Connecticut and four special nieces, Shelley Thomas, Tarsha Drakeford, and Genisis and Eden Gregory. She leaves one uncle, Nathaniel Thomas and a dear aunt, Ruth Williams. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and cousins to cherish her memory; and don’t forget about her kind and generous neighbors.

Gerlie answered the call, closed her eyes and said goodbye to this old world and accepted her new address in heaven where she will spend life eternal with those who have gone on before her and with her God.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8th 2017 at God First Breakthrough Ministries from 10 am to 12 pm. Funeral services will also be held Wednesday, February 8th at 12 pm at the Church. Interment to follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens.

Condolences can be made to www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com

Horis A. Ward Funeral Home

770-474-1231